HVAC Systems

Most of us take the issue of heating and cooling our homes for granted; we expect our homes to be warm in the winter and cool in the summer. However, choosing the right heating/cooling system can minimize the cost, time, and damage to the environment. In fact, you spend more than one third of your home’s energy bill on your central heating system.

How do you choose the best climate control solution to fit your lifestyle and your budget?

First, you should understand how heating and cooling systems work. There are three basic components to climate control: a source of warm or cool air, a means of distributing this air to the rooms in your home, and a control mechanism to regulate the system (i.e. Thermostat). The source of warm air, from a furnace, and cool air, from an air conditioner, both use the same distribution and control methods. They also both work on the principle that heat moves in the direction from warm to cool. For example, a gas furnace heating your home creates heat in the air to warm your home; an air conditioner removes the heat in the air to cool your home. A heat pump, on the other hand, doesn't generate heat but moves warm air into your home and blows cold air out. It is in fact an inexpensive method for year-round heating and cooling comfort because it performs as both a heating system and a cooling system for your home through the use of electricity.

Both heating and cooling systems burn fuel, whether gas, fuel oil or electricity. When fuel is burned, heat is produced and channelled into rooms through ducts and pipes and blown out of radiators or heating panels. Some systems use a boiler to store and heat water that results in heating the air by circulating this hot water and/or steam through pipes in your ceilings, walls and floors. A boiler is commonly fuelled by gas and is an efficient and reliable heating source.

Tankless water heaters are much more efficient than conventional water heaters because it heats the water only as is needed. This technological achievement provides your home with an instant and endless supply of hot water, rather than heating and re-heating the same water 24 hours a day. Also referred to as on-demand water heaters, tankless water heaters save energy, money and space. In fact, by installing a tankless water heater you could save up to 75% on your home's energy bill. Plus, a tankless water heater's lifespan is doubled because the lack of holding a water reserve lessens the risk of corrosion and rust.

With today's rising energy prices, it is vital to select the most effective and efficient heating and cooling systems for your home. There are many factors to consider; such as, the square footage of your living space, the energy efficiency of various heating and cooling products, fuel source options, whether you qualify for ecoEnergy rebates, and more. Air conditioners are an indispensable machine available in various sizes, strengths and prices. People living in apartments have portable or ductless air conditioners. Large houses and commercial complexes have central air conditioners. Regardless of their kind, the basic working principle of air conditioners is the same: It sucks in the hot air, cools it then blows it back out.

How do you choose the right air conditioning system for your home?

The most important factor to consider when purchasing an air conditioning system is the size of the unit. If you buy an under-sized unit, it may not be adequate to cool your home, or it may take a longer time to cool. On the other hand, an over-sized air conditioning unit will cool the room too fast, causing the compressor to start and stop often. In both of these cases the use of the unit is inefficient and therefore costly. In fact, each time the compressor starts (or cuts in) it uses up to 6 times more power than when it is running. A constant cycle of turning on and off will decrease the air conditioner's efficiency, shorten the unit’s lifespan and increase your electrical bill.

British Thermal Units (BTU's) measure the cooling capacity of any air conditioner per hour. A BTU is the measurement of the heat required to raise the temperature of 1 pound of pure water 1 degree Fahrenheit. Knowing how to calculate the BTU's for your air conditioner will prevent you from making the mistake of buying the wrong unit for your needs.

The amount of heat generated in a room is called a heat gain or heat load, and it is based on many factors:

• Room size
• Number of windows, their size and placement ,and whether they have blinds or shades
• Number of occupants in room
• Heat generated by machinery/equipment
• Heat generated by lighting.

The total heat load of your room determines the amount of cooling required for that room. For example, if your heat load adds up to 10,000 BTU you need an air conditioner with a BTU capacity closest to that number.

When central air conditioners are not possible to install, because no ducts exists, you can still live comfortably through various ductless air conditioning options. Also called a mini-split system, these have two major components: a unit mounted on the outside of the house and a unit mounted on an inside wall delivering cool air into the room.

At 360 Living Inc., we pride ourselves on our technical expertise and unparalleled customer service to ensure you get the best quality heating and cooling products that conserve energy and improve the air you breathe. Call the experts for the correct solution to your climate control needs at (416)920-7200.